Sutton concerned about growing feed shortages

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon
Jim Sutton, shares the concerns of many farmers about the
lateness of the rains to break the drought still affecting
nearly all the South Island and the bottom half of the North
Island. "Even with the anticipated rain over Easter, soil
temperatures are dropping and there is little time for
'catch up' before winter," he said today.

"Farmers have
managed the drought very well, and fortunately have been
able to sell stock at satisfactory prices thus mitigating
costly impacts this financial year."

Lack of feed now and
anticipated feed shortages in the winter are likely to
impact on next season's production. Supplementary feed
prices have risen by at least 40% over the last two months
as farmers make winter feed arrangements. It is likely that
regardless of price there will not be enough supplementary
feed on hand. Much supplementary feed has been fed out
during the summer and autumn.

The Minister has urged
farmers to take careful stock of their situation and advises
them to have contingency plans in place.

"Some concern
has been expressed to me in respect of the approximately 70
dairy cow herds moving from the North Island to the South
Island this winter," Mr Sutton said. "These cows will be
crossing the Cook Strait at the end of May and purchasing
farmers cannot count on feed being available for purchase in
the South Island. Fortunately most of these dairy
conversions are by local people who appreciate how little
grass grows during June and July in Southland."

"It is
vitally important that we guard against any potential animal
welfare problems, for the sake both of the animals and New
Zealand’s international marketing reputation", Mr Sutton
said.

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